Lloyd Williams believes Cardiff can build on an improved performance against Munster as focus now turns to the final home game of the season against Zebre on Friday (KO 7.35pm).
The scrum half crossed for the Blue and Blacks’ third try at Musgrave Park but the hosts ultimately ran away with the win thanks to braces from Mike Haley and Craig Casey.
Williams also believes Cardiff need to find the habit of winning close encounters and while he was pleased with his side’s overall performance he also credited Munster for their efficiency.
The Welsh international nine said: “We were definitely in a game of rugby and for large parts of it we put our front foot forward.
“We threw a few punches with our attack, but they seemed to be able to string a lot of phases together. We struggled to turn the ball over and paint good pictures for the referee to get the decisions.
“So it was disappointing that we weren’t able to stop that and a team like Munster do the basics very well. That served them well today, but as far as we’re concerned we’re pleased we were able to do what we said all week and exploit some of their weaknesses.
“Every time we had the ball, it felt like we were on the front foot. We took care of the attacking breakdown, which was an area we needed to improve from the last couple of weeks.
“We did that at times, and as a nine I felt more comfortable at the back there. If we do that then we give ourselves a chance to throw good attacking shape and attack the way we want to.
“Unfortunately, there was 10 minutes in the second half where we needed a big moment or some territory. We didn’t get that and I think that probably cost us the match.
“Once you get a few wins under your belts, you start to understand how to do it and it becomes a bit easier.
“We were comfortable throughout stages when we had the ball, but when we didn’t they were good at keeping ball.
“We struggled to turn the ball over and impact the game in that way, but all credit to Munster. They’re good at doing that and it’s something that we need to improve on.”
Williams also echoed the thoughts of Director of Rugby, Dai Young, in calling for a strong performance to finish their home season at Cardiff Arms Park.
He added: “It’s been a really strange and disappointing season and I’m not sure we’ll have another like it.
“It’s important for us, as a team and a club, to finish well in our last game at home. There’s nothing riding on it but we can do our best to perform well, and if we can perform like we did today with the ball then that will give us confidence and we can finish on a high.
“We’d like to finish strongly, but we’re only looking to Zebre at the moment. Once that’s out of the way then we’ll start looking at the next one after that.
“It would be nice to finish with a string of wins, but first of all we need to perform in those games.”